Martin Schoonover

Martin D. Schoonover June 17, 1932 -- March 12, 2010 Martin D. Schoonover of Philomath arrived at the end of his 77-year journey on this earth Friday, March 12. He joins his father, Charles; mother, Etta Mae; and two sisters, Mina Mae and Barbara June. He leaves behind his three sons and their families: son Rick and his wife, Melinda, of Philomath, granddaughters Amber Schoonover and Riane Enos, her husband Jacob, and two great-granddaughters, Ashley and Natalie Enos; son Steve and his wife, Susan, of Corvallis, grandsons Chad Schoonover and Justin Schoonover, and granddaughters Amanda Schoonover and Tiffany Schoonover; and son John and his wife, Sheila, of Banks and grandsons Jarek Schoonover and Shandon Schoonover; along with three sisters: Betty Amy of Roseburg, Shirley Cox of Texas, and Sharon Richert of Winchester. Martin was born on June 17, 1932, in Corvallis. He grew up around the Corvallis and Boise, Idaho, areas. During his working life, Martin was employed at several local sawmills, including Mika’s, Northside, Diamond B and Georgia-Pacific. He was said to have the mind of an engineer because he could repair anything by creating parts out of whatever he could find in local junk piles. His love for mechanical things started when he was a young man racing cars; extended through his mid-life, when he worked with his sons, racing their motorcycles; and lasted through the end of his life, when he worked on restoring a 1966 Ford Mustang. Family and friends will remember Martin as always being ready and willing to help with whatever they needed, from gardening to building things. His grandchildren will remember he always had a piece of Big Red gum in his pocket for them. He will be missed, but his spirit, sense of humor and unique mannerisms will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of his family members and friends who found him special. The family would like to give special thanks to Chris Beauchamp and Jean Bratten for the love and care Dad received at Joanna’s Foster Care. Thank you from the bottom of very grateful hearts! Memorial donations in Martin’s name may be directed to Benton Hospice Service or to Heartland Humane Society in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 N.W. Fifth St., Corvallis, OR 97330. Private family services will be held. A reception celebrating Martin’s life will take place on Saturday, May 1. Call Rick Schoonover at 541-929-2660 for details.

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Martin Schoonover

June 17, 1932 - March 12, 2010